According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Saturday October 17, 2026, US President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections, offering the embattled leader a significant boost after months of uncertainty over Washington’s political support.

In a social media post on Sunday, Trump praised Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and an even greater “Partner for Peace” in confronting Iran, threatening further action against Tehran if it failed to change its conduct.

Trump said the United States could “soon finish the job” against Iran but suggested he would be reluctant to do so if Netanyahu lost the election. He described the Israeli leader as “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant” despite considerable opposition, including within Israel.

The election will be Israel’s first national vote since Hamas attacked the country on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu’s Likud Party has previously presented his close relationship with Trump as a key reason for keeping him in power.

Responding to the endorsement, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support and cooperation, declaring in a Hebrew-language statement posted on X, “Together we will complete the mission!” Likud also released a 35-second video featuring the two leaders together.

However, the endorsement’s influence on the expected close contest remains uncertain. Although Trump remains popular in Israel, some Israelis have criticised the outcome of the nearly eight-month war with Iran and the US ceasefire proposal for failing to achieve key objectives.

Netanyahu’s main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, said he admired Trump but insisted that “only Israelis can choose their leader,” emphasising Israel’s democratic process.

Trump previously endorsed Netanyahu and appealed to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in November to pardon him over corruption charges. However, he had avoided committing to supporting Netanyahu in recent months.

Relations between the two leaders have also experienced tensions over Iran and Gaza. Trump criticised Israeli military decisions during the Iran conflict and expressed frustration over fighting in Lebanon that complicated peace negotiations.

Netanyahu also rejected Trump’s latest Gaza ceasefire proposal in August, opposing calls for Israeli withdrawal from territory until Hamas had been disarmed.

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